Improvement in folding-table supports



JOSEPH DALY.

Improvement in Folding-Table Supports.

No. 316,164v Patentedlune20,1871.

223% Mm miwi.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH DALY, OF TROY, NEW YORK.-

IMPROVEMENT IN FOLDING-TABLE SUPPORTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 116,164, dated June 20, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OSEPH DALY, of the city of Troy, county of Rensselaer and State of New York, have invented a Portable Folding-Table or Support Frame, of which the following is a specification: 1

My invention consists of a frame, constructed with two vertical cross or X-supports,in combination with a horizontal cross or X-connection longitudinally between, the X-supports and X-connection composed each of two bars or pieces of wood or metal, pivoted at their points of intersection, and-so combined each with each that the whole can be folded up into small compass, and when open form a frame upon which an ironing-board, skirt-board, shelf, or platform, forming a table or its equivalent, may be placed. The upper ends of each vertical support are j oined with hinged and jointed cross-pieces, so as to prevent their spreadingbeyond the point of profitable employment. The horizontal X-pieces, of either wood or metal, are joined at their ends to vertical supports, and connected, by suitable eyes or equivalent, so as to admit of two motionsviz., the closing of the horizontal X-pieces horizontally, and the bending and closing of the vertical supports upon the horizontal pieces aforesaidwhen bein g packed away after use or for transportation, &c. It also consists in a device or devices, in combination with the before-mentioned framework, for the purpose of holding the supports in vertical position when in use, and these devices are also so arranged and connected as to fold up with the rest of the frame into small compass. The cross-pieces, both the end supports, and the horizontal connecting pieces are peculiarly constructed, so as to fit very closely together when folded and for other purposes, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

Description of the Accompanying Drawing.

Figure 1 is a general perspective view of the frame opened out and sustaining a skirt-board ready for use. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the frame partly closed to show the manner of folding. Fig. 3 is a view, showing the same folded up ready for transportation or laying away. Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the end supports open as when ready for use. Fig. 5 is a horizontal view of the connection between ing or crossing at their center.

beyond the profitable distance.

the end supports, the end pieces in section. Fig. 6 is a view of the braces, and Fig. 7 is a side view of the plate or catch attached to one of the cross-bars. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the cross-bars alone.

Like letters refer to like or corresponding parts.

General Description.

' A, A A and A represent the end crosssupport bars, two at each end, placed usually about fourfeet apart; but the distance is as may be most suitable for the purpose required.

These end vertical pieces intersect each other, crossing and forming an X, one at each end; and between these end supports, as a connection, are placed two other bars, also intersect- The bars forming the horizontal connection are connected at their several ends to the vertical legs A, A A and A at a suitable height from the floor, by eyebolts, interlocking and allowing free play in folding and unfolding the frame. The horizontal bars are marked, respectively, B and B. The eyebolts passing therein are inclined at a suitable angle, and pass through the bar, and are secured by a nut on the under side or in some other suitable manner. The eyebolts to the vertical bars also pass through and are secured in a similar manner. The cross-bars, both horizontal and vertical, are formed similar; they are halved out, as shown in Fig. 8, so that two fit together and fold up very close and compact. At 0 and 0, Fig. 4,

it will be seen that the shoulders are formed by the projecting part of each bar, inside and outside the same, and again in the horizontal bars at D and D, under and over, forming a neat interlock, preventing the bars spreading At the upper ends of the vertical bars or end supports A, A A and A are transverse connecting-bars, one at each end of the frame; they are marked E and F, respectively; they are each jointed in the middle, and connected, each half, by a suitable hinge, so as to allow of their opening upward, and at each of their ends they are connected to the vertical bars A, A A and A by suitable hinges let into the ends of. the material, as shown in Fig. 4. Their folding up, in connection with the other parts of the frame, is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. They hold the upper ends of the vertical bars from spreading, and assist in sustaining the board, tabletop, shelf, &c., which is to be placed thereon. At Gand H are shown braces of peculiar shape, their lower ends attached or connected to the horizontal bars B and B by suitable eye and eyebolt-connections. At Fig. 6 one is shown separately. I form it of metal, bent so as to have two legs, and at the top formed so as to fit under a projection (forming a catch) of a plate, I, which is fastened to one of the vertical bars or supports by rivets, or in any other suitable manner. The catch maybe differentmay be, in fact, constructed in any suitable shape, although I prefer the one shown. The form of the braces G and H is advantageous, as it allows a suificient spring and is easy to make. The several parts of the frame may be constructed of suitable material. I prefer hard woods for the bars and vertical, horizontal, and transverse; but they may be made of metal, if desired.

The frame, when opened out, is of great strength, and yet light, and can be folded up into very small compass. It may be used for a variety of purposes, as an ironing-table, a large platform placed thereon, or an ironingboard, skirt board, &c.; also as a shelf for placing goods in fairs, exhibitions, stores, &c.; as a kitchen-table, an extra dining-room table, and, in fact, for any purpose requiring a support; can be folded up compactly and carried anywhere, and is not liable to get out of order.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

1. The combination of the bars A A A A and conneetingbars B and B, when constructed and arranged to operate substantially as and for the purpose described and set forth.

2. The braces G and H, when constructed substantially as and for the purpose described and set forth.

3. The jointed bars E and F, in combination with their respective bars A A A A when arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose as described and set forth.

4. The combination of the bars A A A A, connecting-bars B and B, jointed bars E and F, and braces G and H, when arranged and opera-tin g substantially in manner and for the purpose as described and set forth.

Witnesses: JOSEPH DALY.

JOHN DALY, RICHARD H. REILLE. 

